At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono has already made headlines as one of the most promising young talents in South American football. His performances with River Plate have earned him not only a spot in the Argentine national team but now a dream move to Real Madrid.

Born on August 14, 2007, in the town of Azul in Buenos Aires Province, Mastantuono’s rise has been anything but ordinary. Coached early on by his father, he was already playing for a local team at just three years old. As a child, he also excelled in tennis, even competing at a national level before ultimately committing to football.

By the age of 11, he had joined Club Cemento, where scouts from River Plate spotted his potential. In 2019, he officially joined the academy at Núñez, where his impact was immediate. A gifted left-footed midfielder, he quickly stood out with his creativity, long-range shooting, and vision.

“My role is to create play. I like taking responsibility, providing assists, and scoring when I get the chance,” he said in an interview with River’s official website two years ago.

Mastantuono signed his first professional contract in August 2023, shortly after turning 16. The contract included a hefty release clause of €30 million, reflecting the club’s confidence in his potential. Just months later, on January 28, 2024, he made his senior debut, becoming the third-youngest player to feature for River Plate.

Former coach Martín Demichelis praised his maturity and predicted a bright future. That prediction began to materialize in 2024 when Marcelo Gallardo, returning to River as head coach, gave Mastantuono a key role in the team. Playing on the right wing, he added verticality and danger to River’s attack, combining dribbling skills with incisive passing and powerful shooting.

In just 19 appearances this year, he has already scored seven goals and provided four assists. One of his most memorable moments came in the Superclásico, when he scored a spectacular free-kick against Boca Juniors.

Florentino Pérez's Mixed Feelings About the Transfer

While Real Madrid has secured a gem, reports suggest that club president Florentino Pérez had reservations about the timing. Pérez reportedly preferred Mastantuono to arrive after the Club World Cup to ease the pressure on new coach Xabi Alonso. However, the deal moved forward, and the youngster is expected to join the team after competing in the tournament with River.

Mastantuono’s physical strength, maturity, and attacking instinct make him a unique talent. His journey to Real Madrid marks a new chapter in a career that’s only just beginning—but already turning heads around the football world.